The story

The World Health Organization has raised its pandemic alert level in response to the outbreak of swine flu that originated in Mexico.

The move to a level four alert indicates the world body has determined the virus is capable of significant human-to-human transmission.

Dr. Keiji Fukuda, WHO assistant director-general, said the move did not mean a pandemic was inevitable. He added the agency would focus efforts on mitigating, rather than containing, the virus.

Fukuda said it was too early to predict whether there will be a mild or serious pandemic.

More cases were confirmed Monday in the United States, Canada and Europe. The WHO said the U.S. has confirmed 47 cases, Mexico 26, Canada six and Spain one. Two more were confirmed in Scotland. Read full article »